Some People Talk with God

In this sequel to New Jerusalem News, Enright's hero Dominick returns to meet Amanda, a half-sister he only learned about when their mother died and left them her estate. The two warily get to know one another, and they're strangely similar in their sangfroid. Dominick has no discernible occupation, a fondness for history, and enough friends to be an ever-traveling professional house guest. Amanda lives in New York's Hudson Valley with her lawyer girlfriend, Morgan, who is more business partner than romantic connection; the renters of their run-down historic home are a coven of witches. Amanda and Morgan have designs on Dominick's share of inheritance. When Dominick arrives to visit Amanda, the plot thickens. Enright takes his time setting up the story, quietly sketching depths beneath Dominick's bland surface and Amanda's deceptively calm exterior. Colorful minor characters provide easy-reading pleasure. Dominick's interrogation of history's puzzles and threads holds the (mostly) low-key plot together. This good vacation diversion has little to do with faith, title notwithstanding. (June)